Discover the Cinema Community at the University of Iowa

Discover the Cinema Community at the University of Iowa

Home to one of the best filmmaking communities in the Midwest. Whether you're working on your first film or are a veteran filmmaker, find fellow supportive and collaborative creatives to bring your vision to life at the University of Iowa.

Student organizations Student screenings Festivals

Cinema is the most popular arts sector at the University of Iowa by student demand, and the cinema community stretches far beyond the Department of Cinematic Arts.

The university is home to multiple student organizations devoted to screening films, discussing them, making them, hosting filmmakers, organizing film festivals, and much more.

Do you like watching and discussing movies? Get involved in the Bijou Film Board, one of the university's oldest student organizations. Do you like making films in your free time? Take a look at Student Video Productions or the Cinematic Arts Student Organization (CASO). Are you a fan of cult film, B movies, or classic horror? Check out FilmScene's Grindhouse series. Are you interested in experimental film and moving image art? Attend an event by Vertical Cinema or an exhibition at Public Space One.

Whatever your program of study and wherever your interest in film may lie, you can find a film community in Iowa City.

Student organizations

Bijou Film Board

The Bijou Film Board is a non-profit, student-run organization dedicated to the exhibition of independent, foreign, and classic cinema. Established in 1972, the Bijou has built a reputation as one of the preeminent student-run cinema organizations in the nation.

Cinematic Arts Student Org (CASO)

The purpose of CASO is to support the activities, affairs, and education of students participating in cinematic arts. We work closely with faculty and students to build a creative community that ensures fulfillment in academic and social experiences.

SIGGRAPH

The University of Iowa SIGGRAPH Student Chapter unites students passionate about animation, visual effects, and interactive media through career events, interdisciplinary workshops, peer collaboration, and guest talks featuring artists, technologists, and industry leaders.

Student Video Productions

Student Video Productions’ goal is to provide University of Iowa students with the resources to produce creative projects and offer job opportunities. From pre-production to post-production, members collaborate to create content ranging from short films, music videos, and promotional material.

two students working together on a video production

Women in Film

Women in Film aims to provide a space for women to connect to other women, share ideas, build strong relationships for future projects, and be able to experiment and grow their creativity in a space that allows their stories to be told.

Vertical Cinema

Vertical Cinema is dedicated to the exhibition of experimental and avant-garde moving image work. We screen films and videos that would not otherwise be seen by the University of Iowa community, and foster conversation about them.

Student screenings

Every production class in the Department of Cinematic Arts culminates in a screening of student work open to the public.

Iowa City is also lucky to have one of the very best community cinemas anywhere in the Midwest: Film Scene. More than a movie theater, FilmScene is a leading arts institution for the Iowa City region and serves both the students and wider community with film series, live events, film festivals, clubs, visiting artists, and more.

Students can also submit their work to film festivals and present their work to the public. Students interested in the behind-the-scenes work of running a film festival can enroll in CINE:2863 Film/Video Production: Film Festival to gain hands-on experience running the internationally recognized Iowa City International Documentary Festival.